Body cam footage from a Douglas County Sheriff’s deputy in Colorado last week shows the split-second reaction the officer had when he was attacked by an armed man during a traffic stop.
Deputy Brad Proux, a six-year veteran, approached a vehicle during a courtesy stop on the side of the road around 6:45 pm local time, to help what appeared to be a stranded motorist. Proux approached the passenger side of the vehicle but quickly went around behind the car to get to the driver’s side of the vehicle.
While walking behind the vehicle, the driver, Deyon Marcus Rivas-Maestas, 25, got out of the vehicle and attacked Proux with a rifle in hand, the footage showed.
Littleton Police Department Chief Doug Stephens told the Denver Post that Rivas-Maestas’ rifle was not loaded at the time.
Douglas County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Steven Johnson praised Proux for his quick reaction.
“This incident occurred very, very quickly,” Johnson said. “I speak for every law enforcement officer: When you hear ‘Shots fired, shots fired,’ it’s the worst thing that can happen.”
Rivas-Maestas suffered a gunshot wound to his arm and then underwent surgery as a result of the incident. He then was booked at the Douglas County Jail.
Proux was placed on administrative leave following the incident.
[revad2]
